The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has taken the Indian motorcycle market by storm, and for good reason. This street bike offers a compelling blend of classic Royal Enfield DNA with a modern, accessible package. It’s designed to appeal to a diverse range of riders, including younger buyers, first-time motorcycle owners, and female riders seeking a stylish and user-friendly machine. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a statement, a lifestyle choice, and a testament to Royal Enfield’s evolving brand identity, all offered at a competitive price point.
Price Points: Royal Enfield Hunter 350 – A Value Proposition
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 positions itself as an attractively priced option within its segment. There are various models to cater to different needs and style preferences:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Retro Factory: Starting at just ₹1,49,900, this variant offers a classic, stripped-down aesthetic.
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Metro Dapper: Available for ₹1,69,434, this model boasts a more modern look with additional features.
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Metro Rebel: Priced at ₹1,74,430, the Rebel variant offers a sportier vibe with distinct color schemes.
These prices are the average ex-showroom values, providing a clear indication of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350‘s affordability.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Performance and Specifications
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 boasts a potent 349.34cc, BS6-compliant engine. This single-cylinder, J-series motor delivers a respectable 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a smooth and reliable five-speed gearbox. Riders can anticipate a top speed reaching approximately 130 kmph, that makes the Hunter 350 an ideal partner for city or highway rides. It features disc brakes at both ends (with the retro variant offering a front disc/rear drum setup), coupled with an anti-locking braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety. With a dry weight of 181 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 13 liters, the Hunter 350 offers a balanced blend of agility and range.
Design & Aesthetics: A Neo-Retro Masterpiece
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 exudes neo-retro charm, drawing inspiration from the classic roadster aesthetic, with visual cues similar to the Triumph Street Twin. Its design philosophy centers around minimalist styling, highlighted by a signature round halogen headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a comfortable single-piece seat, and a sporty, stubby rear fender. This design language reinforces the Hunter 350’s position as a motorcycle that is as appealing to a seasoned rider as it is to a young enthusiast. The design ensures that the bike is aesthetically pleasing and contributes to its nimble handling and easy maneuverability.
Variants & Color Options: Catering to Individual Preferences
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 offers a range of options to suit varied tastes. It is available in two main body styles: retro and metro. There are 3 variants and 10 color options providing plenty of choices to express your personality:
- Retro Variant: This variant embraces a more classic and minimalist aesthetic, with the base model featuring wire-spoke wheels and two colors available. The options here are Factory Black and Factory Silver.
- Metro Variant: The metro variant elevates the style quotient with alloy wheels and available dual-channel ABS (specific to the Metro models). This can be further broken down into two colourways:
- Dapper: Features 5 unique paint schemes, offering a contemporary and stylish look.
- Rebel: Delivers a bold and sporty appearance with 3 distinctive paint options to choose of.
Rivals & Competition: Standing Out from the Crowd
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 competes in a highly competitive segment, going head-to-head with established rivals. Its principle adversaries in the Indian market are the Honda CB350RS, the Jawa 42, and the TVS Ronin. However, the Hunter 350 carves its niche with its distinct styling, competitive pricing, and that classic Royal Enfield feel.
Hardware & Riding Experience: A Closer Look
Beyond its aesthetics, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 excels in practicality and rideability:
- Retro Variant: The Retro version of the Hunter 350 comes equipped with classic wire-spoke wheels, paired with a front disc/rear drum brake set up, and single-channel ABS technology. The Retro variant weighs in at 177kg.
- Metro Variant: The Metro variant, on the other hand, upgrades to alloy wheels and features disc brakes at both the front and the rear, augmented by dual-channel ABS. The Metro variant weighs 181kg.
- Suspension: Handling the suspension requirements are telescopic front forks coupled with twin rear shock absorbers, offering a comfortable and controlled riding experience.
In short, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is more than just a motorcycle, it’s a statement of style, performance, and value.
